Stress Management Tips Following Irma

posted by Jessi Minneci -
2 weeks ago

For some, the personal recovery period following Hurricane Irma could pose prolonged stress lasting days... or even months after the storm's passing.

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County is reminding people to be mindful, and to recognize that it is normal to feel anxious about their own and their family’s safety.

"Sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event such as Hurricane Irma," DOH-Broward said in a news release Tuesday. "Everyone will have different needs and different ways of coping. Stress can and will lead to serious illness."

DOH-Broward reminds you to keep these stress-related symptoms top of mind:

Difficulty communicating thoughts

Difficulty sleeping

Increased use of alcohol/drugs

Limited attention span

Poor work performance

Headaches/stomach problems

Tunnel vision/muffled hearing

Colds or flu-like symptoms

Disorientation or confusion

Reluctance to leave home

Depression, sadness, mood swings and feelings of hopelessness

Crying easily

Abnormal glucose(sugar) levels

Gaining or losing weight

Back, shoulder and neck pain

Loss of appetite or increased appetite

The following may help people deal with elevated stress levels during this time:

Realizing everyone deals with stress differently: do not compare or judge

Talk about it

By talking with others about the event, you may realize they share the same feelings

Spend time with friends and family

Encourage children to share their feelings and concerns

Use artwork, such as drawings, to allow children to express themselves, if they cannot easily verbalize their fears

Take care of yourself: get rest and exercise, continue religious practices or spiritual activities

Eat well balanced meals

Establish or reestablish your regular routines as soon as you can

Take one thing at a time

If you can, help:

Give blood

Prepare meals for others

Make time for parents or disabled and elderly neighbor

Avoid drugs and excessive drinking

Ask for help: there are many resources available in our community

In addition to the above, emergency response and volunteer workers should:

Rotate work assignments from high stress to lower stress functions

Drink plenty of water and eat regularly

Eat healthy snacks like fresh fruits and other energy foods

Take frequent breaks from the scene

Talk about your feelings to process what you have seen and done

Pair up with a responder so that you may monitor one another’s stress

If self-help strategies are not working, then you may want to seek professional assistance. For more information on DOH-Broward services, you can call (954) 467-4705 or visit their website.

DOH-Broward works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.